Gleason retires from Saints

Longtime Saints special teams standout Steve Gleason is retiring from the NFL after a seven-year career.

Gleason, who became a free agent when his contract with the club expired last month, told Saints Coach Sean Payton and General Manager Mickey Loomis of his decision last week.

The club is expected to make an official announcement later today.

Gleason, who will turn 31 on March 19, underwent microfracture knee surgery last year and spent the 2007 season on injured reserve. He said the injury was a factor in his decision but only one of several reasons.

"I think I could play a few more years but I would rather walk away with my health intact than the opposite," Gleason said.

Gleason started only one game in his career, but he became a fan favorite because of his fearless play on special teams and his dedicated work in the community. An undersized linebacker at Washington State, he made the Saints' roster as an undrafted rookie free agent late in the 2000 season after being cut earlier in the year. He quickly worked his way into rotation on special teams, where he developed into a team leader and captain of the units. He blocked four punts in his career and annually ranked among the team leaders in special teams tackles.

"I just played as hard as I could for as long as I could," Gleason said. "I feel real good about what I accomplished."

The defining moment of his career came in the opening minutes of the Saints' nationally televised game against Atlanta on Sept. 25, 2006, when Gleason blocked punt that led to a touchdown and fueled an emotional 23-3 victory in the club's first game at the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

"That was an awesome moment," Gleason said. "I just feel lucky to have been a part of it."

Along with deep snapper Kevin Houser and cornerback Fred Thomas, Gleason was one of three players on the Saints' 2007 roster who remained from the first year of the Jim Haslett era in 2000. Thomas is a free agent and is not expected to return to the team, leaving Houser as the longest-tenured Saint.

"I always look at it everything after my first year (in the NFL) was gravy," Gleason said. "One of the best things that ever happened to me was getting cut because it made me think, 'OK, what am I going to do now.' I always had that thought in the back of my head."

Gleason is scheduled to marry New Orleans native Michelle Varisco on May 16 in New Orleans. The couple then plans to travel the world for six months before returning to New Orleans to decide their futures. Regardless of where they eventually settle, he said the couple plans to keep a home in New Orleans.

"I'm pretty optimistic about the future," Gleason said. "There's a lot of life to be lived out there. I think my future is bigger than my past."

Jeff Duncan can be reached at jduncan@timespicayune.com or (504) 826-3404.